Area-51 R6, unable to update BIOS firmware

Question

Dear members,

I've recently obtained an Area-51 R6 system and I am unable to update the bios to version 1.2.0 in order to update my Windows.

What did I try:

-Via the Support assist

-Via the executable

-Via the F12 flash menu

The PC simply shuts down (clicks out) and restarts when it wants to install the new 1.2.0. Immediately (split second) after the following message:

One moment please. Systemupdate is being installed.

It still shows as:

I am lost, please help me out here!

Kind regards,

Roger

Jwk123 · Accepted Answer

What i would try is to first reset the bios, by taking out the power cord, and the bios battery. Then try again.   Greetings, Jan Willem

RBult · Answer

Thank you for the response Vanadiel. My bios version is 1.1.10 and I wish to update it to 1.2.0.   Also tried to put boot to legacy instead of uefi. Didn't work either.

Vanadiel · Answer

That is the system firmware. In order to check the BIOS version open up a command prompt in administrator mode and type in the following command:  wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion

RBult · Answer

While trying to run the Exe in DOS it says: This program cannot be run in DOS mode (Rufus USB boot).

With flashing it from F12 when leaving the flash screen the pc shuts down and restarts.. without installing the new BIOS. Simply clicks out and reboots.

See this video:

https://www.veed.io/view/2ecea04f-bb6f-41fa-8070-a0926e76cb2c?sharingWidget=true

RBult · Answer

That is exactly what I did, DOS will not accept starting this executable.

Vanadiel · Answer

Try the  BIOS Recovery Image File

Vanadiel · Answer

These are the instructions and require the exe file version of the BIOS update.

Updating the BIOS from DOS with UEFI boot mode enabled (Non-Windows users, Load Legacy Option Disabled)

Note 1: Before updating the BIOS, ensure that you suspend BitLocker encryption on a BitLocker-enabled system. If it is not enabled on your system, you can ignore this step. For information about how to disable BitLocker, see How to Enable or Disable BitLocker with TPM in Windows at support.dell.com.
Note 2: Do not turn off the power or interrupt the BIOS update process during the update.

Installation
1. Copy the downloaded file to a bootable DOS USB drive.
2. Power on the system and then go to BIOS Setup by pressing the F2 key.
3. Go to General > Boot Sequence > Boot > Boot List Option.
4. Change UEFI to Legacy of Boot List Option.
5. Go to Exit > Save Changes and reboot system.
6. Press F12 and then select USB Storage Device and boot to the DOS prompt.
7. Run the file by typing the file name.
The system restarts automatically and updates the BIOS at the system startup screen. After the BIOS update is complete, the system restarts again.
8. Go to BIOS Setup by pressing the F2 key and go to General > Boot Sequence > Boot > Boot List Option.
9. Change Legacy to UEFI Boot Option.
10. Go to Exit > Save Changes and reboot the system.

Vanadiel · Answer

You can also try this, although I have never tied it myself it should work: DDDP package

RBult · Answer

I am not able to enter bios recovery via the F12 boot menu or the CTRL+ESC method. Is this different on Alienware desktops?

RBult · Answer

The weird situation remains that when trying to update the bios from Windows or the flash bios from the flash bios menu it simply shuts down and restarts without installing.

Would be well appreciated if Dell came with a solution for this. I can't be the only one having this issue.

RBult · Answer

Bios reset did the trick! Am on 1.2.0 Topic can be closed.

Cb9 · Answer

This is related to Windows 11 core isolation security feature. You are unable to load the driver with this feature enabled. If you're disable the feature things should work ok.

It's in your window security settings

Alienware Desktops

Area-51 R6, unable to update BIOS firmware

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